The External Flame and the Body’s Candle
The spiritual life of a human being is built upon a constant struggle between the body and the soul (can). The great sage, Mevlânâ Jalāluddīn Rūmī, explains this truth with the analogy of a candle: The physical flame in the external world exists as a candle to dispel darkness, and as it burns, that candle completely vanishes. A lifeless candle melts and is consumed by fire, leaving no trace or light behind. However, the candle representing the human body is quite the opposite. As the body diminishes through spiritual practice (riyāzat), worship, opposition to the ego, and self-discipline, the light, brilliance, and strength of the soul within increases. In other words, every concession made to bodily desires grants the soul immense illumination and power.
Lasting Light and Transient Shadows
Everything belonging to the body is temporary and destined for decay; however, the flame in the candle of the soul possesses a Divine (Allah’s) light. This divine light is eternal, therefore it remains far removed from the shadow of annihilation that affects transient beings. Just as the shadow of a cloud falls only on the earth but does not obscure the sun, worldly blessings, positions, and physical health are nothing more than fleeting shadows. Beauty, talent, and false affections quickly vanish from the side of one who is ungrateful; to the point where no trace of them is ever seen again. However, the light of a perfect believer whose soul is bound to Allah continues to shine eternally, even when the body returns to dust.
Like Iron Tempered in Fire
For the spirit to attain this divine light and be purified, it must be tempered in the fire of tribulation, enduring trials with patience. Just as an apple or fresh quince becomes beautiful with a little warmth, but hard iron requires entering into scorching fires and dragon flames to become beautiful and take shape, so too the spirits of perfect people are polished through great sacrifices and harsh trials. The iron that draws that fire into itself achieves purity and purpose. A believer should view the difficulties they encounter, illnesses that weaken the body, or the hardships of spiritual practice as divine fires that illuminate the soul, and not hesitate to melt their transient existence (the body’s flame) in the path of Allah.